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Set-up operator salary
Average set-up operator salary
$39,269
Understanding the Set-Up Operator Salary
In the manufacturing sector, Set-Up Operators play a pivotal role in preparing machines for production runs. Their average salary of $39,269 per year reflects their expertise and the critical nature of their work. This position typically requires a high school diploma and relevant training, making it accessible for many job seekers.
Salary Variations by State
Salary can differ significantly based on geographic location, with states like California and Texas offering competitive pay. For example, Set-Up Operators in these states often earn above the national average due to higher demand and cost of living. Additionally, experience influences salary potential; those with several years in the field can command higher wages.
Job Opportunities
Job postings for Set-Up Operators are prevalent across various industries, including automotive, food production, and electronics manufacturing. Candidates are encouraged to explore roles in cities with high demand for manufacturing talent, as these locations tend to offer better compensation and benefits.
By focusing on specific salary data and regional trends, this content helps job seekers make informed decisions about their career paths while ensuring clarity and engagement throughout.
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Where can a Set-Up Operator earn more?
Average set-up operator salary by state
The highest-paying states for set-up operators are New York, Virginia, and Massachusetts. The lowest average set-up operator salary states are Montana, South Carolina, and South Dakota.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for set-up operators
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | $46,904 | $22.55 |
| 2 | Nebraska | $44,700 | $21.49 |
| 3 | Pennsylvania | $44,828 | $21.55 |
| 4 | Alaska | $45,028 | $21.65 |
| 5 | New York | $48,215 | $23.18 |
| 6 | Rhode Island | $41,868 | $20.13 |
| 7 | Virginia | $47,015 | $22.60 |
| 8 | West Virginia | $44,796 | $21.54 |
| 9 | Texas | $45,631 | $21.94 |
| 10 | Idaho | $43,747 | $21.03 |
| 11 | Florida | $44,076 | $21.19 |
| 12 | New Hampshire | $40,667 | $19.55 |
| 13 | Oregon | $43,338 | $20.84 |
| 14 | Minnesota | $41,111 | $19.76 |
| 15 | Mississippi | $39,302 | $18.90 |
| 16 | Connecticut | $41,844 | $20.12 |
| 17 | Utah | $40,468 | $19.46 |
| 18 | Wyoming | $42,511 | $20.44 |
| 19 | Kentucky | $38,813 | $18.66 |
| 20 | District of Columbia | $42,125 | $20.25 |
| 21 | Michigan | $38,406 | $18.46 |
| 22 | Wisconsin | $38,605 | $18.56 |
| 23 | Alabama | $39,203 | $18.85 |
| 24 | Hawaii | $43,186 | $20.76 |
| 25 | Maine | $39,211 | $18.85 |
| 26 | Missouri | $39,910 | $19.19 |
| 27 | Washington | $43,209 | $20.77 |
| 28 | Maryland | $44,720 | $21.50 |
| 29 | Arizona | $40,513 | $19.48 |
| 30 | Kansas | $38,973 | $18.74 |
| 31 | Vermont | $40,436 | $19.44 |
| 32 | Tennessee | $37,575 | $18.06 |
| 33 | New Jersey | $38,624 | $18.57 |
| 34 | Iowa | $37,637 | $18.09 |
| 35 | Ohio | $37,287 | $17.93 |
| 36 | California | $41,794 | $20.09 |
| 37 | Arkansas | $38,251 | $18.39 |
| 38 | Indiana | $37,289 | $17.93 |
| 39 | North Carolina | $37,478 | $18.02 |
| 40 | Colorado | $39,881 | $19.17 |
| 41 | Illinois | $37,916 | $18.23 |
| 42 | Nevada | $38,450 | $18.49 |
| 43 | South Dakota | $37,010 | $17.79 |
| 44 | South Carolina | $37,119 | $17.85 |
| 45 | North Dakota | $36,915 | $17.75 |
| 46 | Georgia | $36,531 | $17.56 |
| 47 | Delaware | $38,091 | $18.31 |
| 48 | New Mexico | $37,830 | $18.19 |
| 49 | Louisiana | $37,501 | $18.03 |
| 50 | Montana | $37,235 | $17.90 |
| 51 | Oklahoma | $36,129 | $17.37 |
Highest paying cities for set-up operators
The highest-paying cities for set-up operators are Rochester, NY, Reading, PA, and Lincoln, NE.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rochester, NY | $47,435 | $22.81 |
| 2 | Reading, PA | $44,879 | $21.58 |
| 3 | Lincoln, NE | $44,749 | $21.51 |
| 4 | Clearwater, FL | $44,199 | $21.25 |
| 5 | Danbury, CT | $41,953 | $20.17 |
| 6 | South Gate, CA | $41,439 | $19.92 |
| 7 | Saint Paul, MN | $41,120 | $19.77 |
| 8 | Manitowoc, WI | $39,049 | $18.77 |
| 9 | Euclid, OH | $38,254 | $18.39 |
| 10 | Rocky Mount, NC | $38,095 | $18.31 |
| 11 | Gurnee, IL | $38,079 | $18.31 |
| 12 | Grand Rapids, MI | $37,920 | $18.23 |
Set-up operator salary details
A set-up operator's salary ranges from $28,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $53,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a set-up operator's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $53,000 | $4,417 | $25 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,000 | $3,833 | $22 |
| Average | $39,269 | $3,272 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,000 | $2,750 | $16 |
| 10th Percentile | $28,000 | $2,333 | $13 |
Highest paying set-up operator jobs
The highest paying types of set-up operators are control operator, numerical control operator, and punch press operator.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Set Up Technician | $36,486 | $3,040 | $17.54 | 53,072 |
| Numerical Control Operator | $38,280 | $3,190 | $18.40 | 85,068 |
| Press Brake Operator | $36,359 | $3,030 | $17.48 | 57,264 |
| Production Operator | $35,185 | $2,932 | $16.92 | 117,254 |
| Machine Operator | $32,874 | $2,740 | $15.80 | 96,834 |
| Control Operator | $42,885 | $3,574 | $20.62 | 64,435 |
Top companies hiring set-up operators now:
Which companies pay set-up operators the most?
Set-up operator salaries at Schneider Electric Industrial Services and Avery Dennison are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average set-up operator salary at companies like BD and Sanmina are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Schneider Electric Industrial Services | $57,616 | $27.70 |
| 2 | Avery Dennison | $48,716 | $23.42 |
| 3 | BD | $47,929 | $23.04 |
| 4 | Sanmina | $47,895 | $23.03 |
| 5 | Wabtec Corporation | $47,702 | $22.93 |
| 6 | VisionCorp Rep | $45,595 | $21.92 |
| 7 | AO Architects | $45,140 | $21.70 |
| 8 | Schaeffler | $45,019 | $21.64 |
| 9 | WestRock | $44,373 | $21.33 |
| 10 | Barnes Group | $44,339 | $21.32 |
| 11 | Bausch + Lomb | $44,317 | $21.31 |
| 12 | Eaton | $43,724 | $21.02 |
| 13 | Swagelok Company | $43,689 | $21.00 |
| 14 | Fose+McKay | $43,465 | $20.90 |
| 15 | Koch Industries | $43,340 | $20.84 |
| 16 | Brunswick | $43,116 | $20.73 |
| 17 | Psg | $42,955 | $20.65 |
| 18 | Precision Castparts | $42,023 | $20.20 |
| 19 | A. O. Smith | $41,911 | $20.15 |
| 20 | Modine Manufacturing | $41,658 | $20.03 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Set-up operator salary trends
The average set-up operator salary has risen by $6,345 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average set-up operator earned $32,924 annually, but today, they earn $39,269 a year. That works out to a 11% change in pay for set-up operators over the last decade.
Compare set-up operator salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average set-up operator salary over time
Compare set-up operator salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Set-up operator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $39,300 | $18.88 | +3.3% |
| 2024 | $38,000 | $18.26 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $37,500 | $18.01 | +2.1% |
| 2022 | $36,700 | $17.63 | +3.4% |
| 2021 | $35,400 | $17.02 | +2.2% |
Recently added set-up operator salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nestle International | Encapsulation Set-Up-Overnight Shift Job Details | Nestle Operational Services Worldwi | Bohemia, NY | 06/28/2025 | $48,961 |
| Staffworks Group | Brake Press Set-Up/Operator-1St. & 2Nd Shift | Germantown, WI | 06/28/2025 | $52,175 |
| Pro Resources Staffing Services | Weld Set Up Operator | Angola, IN | 06/27/2025 | $37,566 |
| Schaeffler AG | Set-Up Operator I-Assembly-3Rd Shift | Fort Mill, SC | 06/27/2025 | $42,679 |
| Schaeffler AG | Apprentice-Set Up Operators | Joplin, MO | 06/27/2025 | $35,688 |
| Mega Force | Metal Fabrication Set Up Operator 2Nd Shift | Bennettsville, SC | 06/26/2025 | $35,479 |
| Sigvaris | DQS Set Up Operator I (Monday To Thursday: 2Nd Shift: 4 P.M. To 2 A.M + Shift Differ | Peachtree City, GA | 06/26/2025 | $43,305 |
| l d McCauley LLC | Plating Setup Operator | Orchard Park, NY | 06/26/2025 | $43,827 |
| Mahle, Inc. | Set-Up Operator | Russellville, AR | 06/24/2025 | $41,552 |
| MSI Mold Builders | Press Setup/Operator | Clifton, NJ | 06/20/2025 | $41,740 |
Set-up operator salary FAQs
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